King's College London

Speaking to ITV News, Astrid Nordin, Chair of Chinese International Relations at the Lau China Institute, King's College London outlined three key concerns regarding a new Chinese embassy in London that was approved by the UK government on Tuesday.

First was the legitimate fear amongst local residents who are worried about being displaced from their homes and the disruption that a new embassy would bring to their communities. The second was about spying and fears that China could exploit the fibre optic cables beneath the site and close to the City of London for espionage. The third and most important she said, were the risks to Chinese expatriates in London and minority groups from regions like Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong, who already face transnational repression from Beijing.

Questions have also been raised about the secrecy surrounding the building’s plans, which reportedly include more than 200 restricted rooms and a hidden chamber. Nordin said the government insists such redactions are standard for embassy developments and claims to have reviewed unredacted plans with national security experts. While the UK government acknowledges the risks, she said they believe they are capable of mitigating those risks to national security.

Nordin noted the broader diplomatic context, describing the plans as a consolidation of existing Chinese diplomatic sites rather than a new Chinese presence in the city. She added the government has argued that concentrating operations in one location could make monitoring Chinese activities easier, highlighting the delicate balance between national security concerns and maintaining trade and diplomatic relations with China - the UK's fifth largest trading partner.

This article is based on an interview by Astrid Nordin on ITV News London following the Government's approval of the Chinese Embassy on Tuesday 20 January 2026.